Album: Live After Death (40th Anniversary Edition)
Artist: Iron Maiden
Label: Parlophone Records
Original Release: October 1985
Anniversary Edition: 2025 Recorded: Long Beach Arena, California, USA (March 14-17, 1985) and Hammersmith Odeon, London, UK
Line Up:
Bruce Dickinson – Vocals
Dave Murray – Guitar
Adrian Smith – Guitar
Steve Harris – Bass, Backing Vocals
Nicko McBrain – Drums
Tracklist:
Disc 1:
Aces High
2 Minutes to Midnight
The Trooper
Revelations
Flight of Icarus
Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Powerslave
The Number of the Beast
Hallowed Be Thy Name
Disc 2:
Iron Maiden
Run to the Hills
Running Free
Sanctuary
Four decades since Iron Maiden bottled lightning during four legendary 1985 nights, Live After Death receives the deluxe reissue treatment this iconic live album—one of the greatest ever recorded—truly deserves.
From a presentation standpoint, this 40th anniversary edition delivers everything: the original iconic gatefold artwork contains two beautiful 140g vinyl records (one yellow, one blue – a picture disc version also exists), a replica 24-page ‘World Slavery Tour 84-85’ programme, and a tour access vinyl pass commemorating the famous Long Beach Arena performances from March 14, 15, 16, and 17, 1985. It’s a piece that instantly transports fans to an era where, according to a gravestone on the back cover, “Metal Lives”.
Similar to Thin Lizzy’s ‘Live and Dangerous’, Maiden’s offering occupies a cherished space in both critics’ and fans’ hearts that curiously hasn’t been surpassed OR perhaps the fanbase refuses to let it be surpassed. Iron Maiden continues releasing live albums, and for devoted fans, more recent releases feature a broader selection of tracks spanning the band’s entire career, including my personal favourite ‘Seventh Son..’ era.
Purists will naturally dismiss anything else and insist this is the definitive Iron Maiden live album. However, I’d argue it’s an incredible entry point. Maiden still tours, fresh fans continuously attend shows and discover the band—what superior method exists to explore their catalogue than through a rightfully acclaimed ‘masterpiece’ like ‘Live After Death’?
Besides, where else can we hear Bruce Dickinson’s immortal line “Nice To See You To See You Nice,” made famous by Bruce Forsyth? What’s that? “The ‘Scream.. something-something.. Long Beach’ quote?” Yes, that’s there too, but come on… the first one’s your Brucie bonus! No… the other Bruce! Sigh.
Hearing this album brings genuine pleasure—the tracklist is, honestly, flawless. It captures a band performing at their peak while reinforcing that Iron Maiden still possesses this ability and executes it equally well. Their recent London Stadium show featuring the spectacular digital animation screen proves that four decades on, the band has zero intention of slowing down.
Ratings: 9/10
Reviewed by Adrian Hextall
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